Enameled glass vessels were one of the most sought-after luxury items of
medieval Syria and Egypt and were avidly collected by wealthy patrons
throughout the Islamic world and beyond. A technical virtuosity, enamelled glass was created
by outlining the decorative elements with red enamel and filling them in with
white, blue, green, yellow, and other colors. The vessel was then reheated for
the enamel to adhere to the surface. According to the elegant inscription, this
tall bottle was commissioned by Saif al-Din Ali (reigned 132263), one of the
Rasulid Sultans of Yemen, who greatly admired such sumptuous objects.